Imagine you are enjoying a beautiful day on the water, you are getting some great shots and catching some beautiful fish, the sun is shining on the still and shimmering water, nothing could be better. Darling.
…but this perfection doesn’t last long as your wife or girlfriend starts nagging “this is boring” “How long has it been now?” “this seat is so uncomfortable”… sound familiar?
Let’s face it: all of us fishermen have to bring our girls at some point, so why can’t we turn that ‘scold, scold, scold’ girl into an enthusiastic fisherwoman?
Here are top 10 tips to keep your girlfriend or wife happy when you take her fishing, which will make her pester you to take her fishing!
1. Pack a picnic lunch for the trip.
Bring a blanket, drinks and food to enjoy in the middle of the day. Make it romantic, with sparkling wine and strawberries for extra brownie points!
2. Enjoy the company.
You just might learn something new about your girl when you’re out with mother nature.
3. Get him involved!
You never know, she might be a natural! Help your girl bait her hook and cast, if she’s a first-time angler. Ask for her advice or teach her the intricate details of this exciting sport. Show him how interested and passionate you are about it.
Some words of warning, some things you might not want to do:
– Tie knots
– bait hooks
– remove the fish from the hook
– hold the fish for photos
– kill fish
– clean/gut the fish
4. Get up and celebrate!
If he’s trying to fish, make sure to give him plenty of encouragement for everything, and with his first catch make sure he knows you’re proud of him.
5. Make sure you have plenty of backing material.
If she’s not a fisherman, make sure before she leaves she has a full range of supplies to keep her entertained throughout the day. This includes: iPhone/iPad (with full battery), books or magazines, iPod to listen to music, your most comfortable chair and some snacks.
6. Competition.
Have a fun competition with your girl. Create some excitement and organize a fishing contest, it will also be a good opportunity to show off your skills!
7. Choose a place with beautiful scenery.
The chances that you will be happier in a beautiful part of the country are much greater. Don’t drag her through a mosquito-infested swamp.
8. Make a deal or a bribe.
If your other half starts to get bored or wants to come back, but you’re having a great session and want to stay, make a deal. “If we stay 2 more hours, I’ll buy you a present.”
9. Go fishing with another couple.
Find your friend, ask him to bring his girl and make it a double fishing date. It keeps the girls busy and gives you time to do some serious fishing!
10. Don’t keep her away from fishing!
If your wife/girlfriend is interested in fishing, go slowly with her. If he shows her how to fish, don’t overwhelm her with information (it’s boring for her), start with the basics and gradually build up over time. She will ask questions when she is curious. Have a few shorter evening sessions to start with, 2 hours is ideal. Hopefully, she’ll become interested over time and want to learn, not feel pushed into doing something she doesn’t want to do.
Enjoy your time with your girl and make an effort to keep her happy, and you never know, maybe one day she will come out to catch you.
